Court case halted after Hartlepool man charged with burglary develops symptoms of Covid-19

The case of a Hartlepool man was unable to go ahead as a court was told he is showing signs of the Covid-19 virus.
By Peter Holbert
Published 27th Apr 2020, 16:28 BST
Updated 28th Apr 2020, 15:24 BST
Michael Matheson, 35, was too sick to appear over a videolink from Durham Jail, a hearing at Teesside Crown Court was told today.Michael Matheson, 35, was too sick to appear over a videolink from Durham Jail, a hearing at Teesside Crown Court was told today.
Michael Matheson, 35, was too sick to appear over a videolink from Durham Jail, a hearing at Teesside Crown Court was told today.

Michael Matheson, 35, was too sick to appear over a videolink from Durham Jail, a hearing at Teesside Crown Court was told today.

His case was listed for a Plea and Trial Preparation hearing which was staged virtually over Skype where only the judge and his clerks appeared live from the courtroom, while barristers for the prosecution and defence appear over video link-ups.

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His barrister Ian Mullarkey said on screen: “I have spoken to the prison this morning and he is now showing the symptoms of the Covid virus.”

Judge Howard Crowson said: “There’s little we can achieve, but we can try to achieve a trial date.

”That could only be as a precaution because there may not be a trial. It would not be a long trial, one day plus.”

The judge said that the plan was that Matheson’s case would be brought back to court on Tuesday, May 5, with a trial date of Wednesday, September 23

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Judge Crowson added: “I have a feeling it might not, because he is in custody exhibiting symptoms of Covid 19.”

Mathewson, of Wolviston Road, Hartlepool, is charged with burglary of a house in Brecongill Close, Hartlepool, on Friday, February 28, and attempted burglary of a dwelling in Victoria Terrace, Hartlepool, on Wednesday, March 18.

He has not yet entered a plea to the charges.